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Rubio Says US Should Give Ammunition to Syrian Rebels

Sen. Marco Rubio, a possible candidate for president in 2016, urged more U.S. support for Syrian rebels and cast doubt on the likelihood of success of negotiations with Iran.
Israel's President Shimon Peres (R) meets with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) in Jerusalem February 20, 2013. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3E1ET

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a rising star in the Republican Party and possible 2016 presidential candidate, said Wednesday [Feb. 27] that the United States should provide ammunition and intelligence to elements of the Syrian opposition to help it defeat President Bashar al-Assad and gain influence after Assad falls.

Speaking to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy shortly after returning from a trip to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan, Rubio said it was important to counter the power of anti-American, radical elements that otherwise might dominate Syria in a post-Assad period.

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